City of Nanaimo sows seeds for the future

The city of Nanaimo is planning to replace the fallen trees in Colliery Dams Park.

According to a City of Nanaimo news release, horticultural crews from the city have gathered pine cones from Douglas fir, Grand fir, and Western Red cedar trees. They have also gathered big leaf maple seeds and cuttings for the project.

500 trees are expected to grow from the pine cones, and 100 from the seeds and cuttings.

Toby Seward, acting GM and Community Development and Protective Services, said, “In order to reinstate as many trees as possible in Colliery Dam Park, City Horticultural Staff took the proactive step of harvesting cones that will ensure the same lineage of trees continues to be present in the park for future residents to enjoy.”

The seeds harvested from the pine cones will be sown and germinated in a nursery and should be ready for planting by fall 2016. The seeds and cuttings from the big leaf maple trees “will be grown in the City’s parks yard greenhouse and then returned to Colliery Dam Park,” said Seward.

“Tree stumps were also recovered and placed on the edge of the excavation area for bird habitat. The stumps are favourable habitat for Pacific Wren, Song Sparrow, and Fox Sparrows. Woodpeckers will also feed on insects in the stumps,” said Seward.

“The wood from the cut trees was given to the Snuneymuxw First Nation,” said Seward.